
T5 






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The History 

A Business Estaiblished 
One Hundred Years Ago 



Edw. K. Tryon Company 

PKila-delpKia. 



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FIRK arm influence belongs to historv in (general and to 
economics in particular. Neither it nor an\' set ot in- 
fluences reallv stands alone in directinti the progress ot the 
world. Fire arms have been, are. and will be ot great 
importance as one of the many influences ; thc\ are mighty 
in then' place ; the\' are worth\- ot an attention that so far 
has been dormant ; they are worthy ot other broader and 
deeper studies." 

Charles Whilhrop Siiuycr, 

" rhiiirvis ill AnnriLiiii History." 



WRITTEN AND COMPILED E 

Charles Z. Tryon 



ILLUSTRATED BY 

Charles Hunsicker Henkels 



designed and printed by 
Franklin Printing Company 



6ii; 
'Vutho. 



MAY '/" 191t 




'k Summary of Events 



. Geo. W.Tryon established the business at 
165 N. Second Street. 

Moved to 134 N. Second Street. (Now 
No. 220. ) 

Geo. W. Tryon & Co. succeeded to gen- 
eral business. 

Tryon Son & Co. succeeded to manufac- 
turing business. 

Edw. K. Tryon & Co. succeeded to entire 

business — Geo. W. Tryon retiring. 

Firm changed to Edw. K. Tryon. 

Firm changed to Edw. K. Tryon &: Company. 

Store 625 Market Street opened. 

First catalogue issued. 

Firm changed to Tryon & Brother — Edw. 

K. Tryon retiring. 

" New factory " built rear of Second Street 

store. 

Revolver shops opened 120-122 North Sixth 

Street. 

Firm changed to Tryon Bros. & Co. 

Firm changed to Edw. K. Tryon, Jr. & Co. 

— Geo. W. Tryon, |r. retiring. 

Moved from 625 Market Street to 19 North 

Sixth Street. 

Factories closed down. 

Store 527 Commerce Street added. 

Store 21 North Sixth Street added. 

Moved to 10 and 12 North Sixth Street. 

Old Second Street branch store closed. 

Store 611 Market Street added. 

Death of Edw. K. Tryon, Jr. 

Stock and fixtures purchased by Edw. K. 

Tryon Co., Incorporated. 

Celebration of One Hundredth Anniversary. 




roiiiidi-d the IniMiifss iSii. Mcmli.-r cif the firms of 

Try,. I, uiui Get/ ; C-o.W. Trvon ; Geo.W. Trv.in & Co.; Trvon, Son & Co. 

Retired 1S41. Died 1S7S. 



Foreword 




OME TIME durino; the Spring of 1773 there 
set sail from the shores of Holland for America 
a ship of general cargo, a large portion of 
which consisted of guns, hardware, linens and 
hlankets for the Indian trade. This miscella- 
neous collection of Indian goods was the prop- 
erty of a Flemish Huguenot, John Jacoh 
Tr}on, formerly a native ot Alsace... 

John Jacoh Tryon had made several voy- 
ages to the new world, acquiring considerable 
propert}- in the vicinitx of Winchester, Virginia, 
but upon this voyage he was accompanied by his wife and six young 
children, having determined to make his home in America. 

Misfortune overtook them. In mid-ocean a severe Hre broke 
out, and while the ship was saved and finally made port, both 1 ryon 
and his wife died from shock and exposure. 

The children were landed at Philadelphia, only to find that 
a disastrous fire had destroyed all the deeds and records of their 
American propertx ; also the ship's cargo was (juickl\ sold to the 
disadvantage of the orphans, and they were promptly put to work. 
The youngest boy, Jacob Henry Tryon, was apprenticed to a tm 
plate worker. He grew to manhood, but died during the \ellow lever 
epidemic in Philadelphia in 1793 at the age of thirt\-two, leavmg 
among other children a son aged two years, George W. Tr) on. 

In early }outh George W. Tryon was apprenticed to a gunsmith 
named Getz, and in 181 1, at twenty years of age, he became the 
partner of his employer, the firm being known as Tryon and Getz. 
A few months later he purchased his partner's interest, and contmued 
the business in his own name at 165 North Second Street, founding 
the present firearms house, which for one hundred years and durmg 
four generations has borne the name of " Tryon." 





Adniittfd to partnership 1S56. Member of the firms of 

Geo. \V. 'I'ryon ; Tryon, Son & Co.; Edw. K. Trvon ; Edw. K. Tr\ on ,4; Co. 

Retired 1S63. Died iSyi. 




HEN George W. Tr\on opened his store for business 
one hundred years ago, James Madison was President 
of the United States, George III was King of Eng- 
land, and The Great Napoleon was at the zenith ot 

his power. Philadelphia had a population of 97,000, 

New York about the same, and Chicago was but a small Indian 
Trading Post. 

The far West was given over to wild animals and wandermg 
tribes of Indians, except where here and there the sturdy pioneer 
had ventured beyond the "Great River." 

There were no railroads, freight was carried in Conestoga 
wagons, and was transported from Philadelphia to New York in five 
days ; to Pittsburg in thirty days. Mail was carried by post horses. 
Candles were used for hghting. The streets, however, were 
lighted by whale oil lamps, '' Which are disposed at convenient 
distances in all parts of the city, and are lighted every night 
excepting when the light of the moon renders this unnecessary." 
Petroleum was not discovered until fort\ years later. All fires 
were started with flint and steel. The value of anthracite coal 
was unknown. 

The flint lock was the only gun in general use ; the percussion 
cap was not invented until several vears later. There were tew 
manufactories and little machiner\ ; practicall\- all goods were 
fashioned by hand, as were the arms manufactured in the shops ot 
George W. Tryon, who was well located in the center of one of the 
city's busiest blocks. Almost opposite was the Camel Tavern and 
the historical old Buck Tavern, famous from Revolutionary 
days, and near bv the stage coaches departed tor 
important points. 

However, he was not long permitted to pursue 
the manufacture of sporting arms. These were 
restless times. England wms becoming more and 
more aggressive upon the high seas. A British 
sloop of war fired upon a United States frigate, 
and President Madison, yielding to the popular 




t 





^^TA^-./zT 



Admitted to partnership 1S57. Mt-mber of the firms of 

Edw. K. Trvon & Co.; Tryon & Bro.; Trvon Bros. & C< 

Retired 1868. Died 1S88. 



demand, declared war June i8, 1812, and the young republic tound 
itself plunged into a second conflict with the mother country. 

Georiie W. Tr\on immediateU enlisted and was ordered to 
Camp Cadwallader, but before seeing anv active service, was sent 
back to his shops b\ the government, being of more service there 
than in the field. 

It was iust at this time that the Government established the 
Bureau of Ordnance, and a deputy agent for all the North and East 
was stationed in Philadelphia, therefore, all through the war ot 181 2 
George W. Tr\on conducted his plant for the manufacture ot 
government arms. 

In Februar\, 18 14, the Secretar\ of the Navy, Wm. Jones, 
directed George Harrison, Navy Agent at Philadelphia to contract with 
reliable parties for the constructing of fift\' repeating swivels and two 
hundred repeating muskets. 

A Mr. Joseph G. Chambers, of Pennsylvania, had patented the 
previous year a repeating arm that could be discharged '' In such a 
manner that b\ a single operation of the trigger it will discharge 
several loads in succession (say six or eight), with a space between 
each sufficient to take another aim." The Secretary considered them 
of great efficiency, and desiring to bring them into use, subsequently 
ordered a "Repeating Swivel, or 7-barrel piece, to every 10 guns" as 
the regular allowance for ships ot the Navy. 

Acting upon his authority, the Navy Agent placed a contract 
for twenty of the repeating swivels and two hundred muskets with 
George W. Tr\ on and John Joseph Henry, jointlx . 

During his boyhood, George W. Tryon had formed a strong 
attachment for John Joseph Henry, then head of the old arms 
manufacturing firm which had borne the name ot 
"Henry" since 1752. The old books show many 
transactions between the old firm ot Henr\' and the 
new Tryon concern, the most interesting ot which is 

this ioint contract, as tollows : 

-' IMiila., I'a. 

"Be it remembered that on the Sixteenth dav ot l^ebruary, 

A. D. 1814. It is agreed between (ieorge Harrison, Esq., Navy 




I 




\ w 



Admitted to partnerbhip 1863. Member of the tirms of 
Tryon cSc Brc; Tryon Bros. & Co.; Edw. K. Tryoii, Jr. & Co. Died 1904. 



Agent of the United States in behalf of the United States, and (Jeorge W. Tryon 
and y. Joseph Henry ot the city and county ot I'hda. in manner and form 
following, viz.: 

"The said George W. Tryon and ). Joseph Henry do agree to make in a com- 
plete workmanlike manner, twenty swivels according to the description mentioned in 
the annexed memorandum, furnished by Joseph G. Chambers, I^sq., and also two 
hundred muskets of description as particularised in the afsd. memorandum annexed, 
at the rate of one hundred dollars for the swivels each, and at the rate of Twenty- 
Three Dollars for the muskets, when completed and finished as afsd., and to fabri- 
cate and make the same of the best materials, and that same shall correspond with 
the pattern to be furnished and according to the instructions hereto annexed as 
afsd. and deliver the whole of the swivels and muskets within three months from the 
date of this agreement, and in case a part should be finished at intervals between 
the dates and time limited for their delivery as afsd., then to furnish the same. And 
further they agree to use all due diligence to complete; and deliver one-half of the 
afsd. muskets and swivels in sixty days after the date hereof. In consideration 
whereof the said Harrison, Agent, afsd., agrees to pay to the said George W. Tryon 
and j. Joseph Henry six thousand six hundred dollars upon the due performance and 
completion of the afsd. contract according to the stipulations therein and in the 
annexed description contained. 

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hand and seal the date and year 
above written. 



DESCRIPTION OF ARMS TO BE FABRICATED BY MESSRS. HENRY & TRYON. 

REPEATING MUSKETS 
The muskets are to be furnished with good and sufficient brass mounting of style 
&: (|uality at least equal to the British Marine. The barrels of the American Calibre 
and somewhat stronger forward than ordinary so as to give one eighth of an inch 
external diameter at the foremost touch hole, ten inches from the bottom or inside. 
They are to be furnished with brass sights at the muzzle & iron back sights truly 
ranged, and the bores sufficiently straightened so as to have the most competent 
accuracy & effect in firing, &c. The locks are to be fitted with the holes adapted to 
the fixture of safe guard and teller previous to being hardened and in general every- 
thint^ arranged so as best to accommodate the objects of the repeating fire according to 
the best specimen alread)' constructed by Henry . 

REPEATING SWIVELS 
The swivels are to be accurately constructed bv laying and securing the barrels 
sufficiently parallel of form & plan according to the best specimen now exhibited, 
with such correcting as may be agreed on &c. The standard 
size shall be barrels of British Marine Calibre (supposed 3 
(juarters of an inch ) properly straightened as the muskets, 
four feet in length from the inside breech to muzzle. Touch- 
hole precisely twenty inches, — external diameter of barrels 
five quarters of an inch making the thickness of Metal eciual 
to ' 3 the diameter of the bore. The breech plates half inch 
in thickness, stems 'g of an inch; & handles fitted with the 
proper screwdriver. Knob of sound blackened wood &c. 
Swivels adapted so as to balance when all is together,— the 




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Old Factory (rear biiililiiigl . erected lS2n. New 
Factory, erecied 1SU4. All clo.sed down 1S72. ■ 



crotches, keep & sockets all uniform so that wherever a socket is fixed any swivel can 
be mounted on it &c. locks duly secured with strong work so as not to be materially 
mferior to those of Ciauny & Monitzs and in general every detail so uniformly 
fashioned by determined patterns as may best accommodate the objects of the public 
service &c. as shall be mutually agreed. 

34 inch of Bore=75-ioo the original calibre. 
Philada. Feb. 16, 18 14. (Signed) JOSEPH G. CHAMBERS. 

Mr. Chambers was appointed a sailing master, and his two sons 
gunners in the naw, to superintend the manufacture of these arms, 
and to have authority to instruct "A certain number of persons in 
the art ot repeating gunnery." 

The " repeating arms " were approved by Commodore Wm. 
Bainbridge, and Mr. Harrison the Navy Agent, was directed April 
18, 1 8 14, to send fifteen repeating swivels, fifty muskets and fifty 
pistols to Commodore Chauncey, on the Great Lakes, in order to 
test their use in active service. 

At the request of Commodore Rogers eight of the swivels were 
placed on the " Guerriere," launched at Philadelphia, in 1814. 

The following \ ears brought such prosperity that in 1829 '"^ 
larger property was purchased opposite the original shops on North 
Second Street, No. 134 (now No. 220). A stable on the rear of this 
lot was immediately transformed into a factory. The first floor of 
the house was altered into a store, and after the custom of the times 
the upper floors were used as a dwelling. 

The business was thus conducted until January i, 1836, when 
Edward K. Trvon, the eldest son of George W. Tryon, was admitted 
to partnership, and the firm was announced as " Manufacturers, 
Importers and General Dealers in Fire Arms, etc." 

While various styles of shot guns and pistols were continuously 
made, the principal arm produced was the famous 
"Kentucky Model" Rifle (see page 22). This long 
barrel, slender, small bore rifle, was the result of a 
gradual development all through Colonial times, which 
produced a distinctive t\pe about 1760, when such 
sturd\' pioneers as Boone, Clark and Morgan, became 
famous for courageous deeds and skilful marksmanship. 




13 



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Tliiicl Str.iv. i--r> >r:iik<'l SI. 










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>^ :;'^;,rTUBER^ 



NUFACTllB' 




^ E.K.TRY^ON/jg&CO.^ 




II! 



Fourth Euililiiig. 19 and 21 North Cth St. 
1S6S to 18SG. 



14 



Penns\l\ania gunsmiths had long heen noted lor the inanutacture of 
these rifles, particuhulv in the town of Lancaster, and Pennsyl- 
vania hackwoodsmen had heconie famous as accurate marksmen 
and good fighters. 

Washington and his hackwoods riflemen saved General Brad- 
dock's troops from total destruction at Fort Du(]uesne. 

In his assault upon Ouehec, (general \\'olf placed several com- 
panies of Penns\hania Provincials in front of his Pritish troops, and 
their accurate fire completel\ demoralized the French, who fled hefore 
the closel\- following ba}onet charge of the British regulars. 

All through the Revolution the tremendous losses of the British 
as compared with the Continental loss must he accounted for 1)\ the 
good marksmanship and superior arms of the Revolutionists, and 
this marked diiFerence was again emphasized in i(Si5 hv ( General 
Jackson and his Kentuck\ pioneers at the battle of New Orleans. 

Muzzle loading rifles of varying models were made in the Iryon 
shops until the demand ceased in the earlv 70's. 



George W. Tryon & Company, 1836-1841 
Tryon, Son & Company, 1836-1841 

It had been the desire of George W . Tr\(>n to separate his 
manufacturing interests from the general merchandise activities of 
h.is business and, therefore, on januar\ i, 18^6, a new partnership 
was formed, consisting of George W. 1 r\on, Thomas Fenner and 
Daniel S. Beideman, under the firm name of (jieorge W. Tr\on tN: 
Compan\', for the purpose of conductmg the general importmg and 
sales business, the factor\" being still conducted under the name 
of George W. Tr\()n. On July ist of the same \'ear 
(1836), how^ever, this old firm of George W. Tr\on 
was dissolved and a new partnership known as 
Trvon, Son & Compan\- was formed to continue 
the manufacturing plant. The partners of this 
Cf)mpan\' were George W . Tryon, Fdward K. Trxon 
and James Martin. These two concerns, rr\on. Son 




15 




: Where is comtantty kept the most extensive 

assortment of warranted 
Dov\\Ae. and s\iAg\e ^a\!Te\c\V 
aUNS, RIFLES, MUSKETS, 
A.VD PISTOLS, 

OF HIS OWN- MANVIACTURF., AND IMPORTED. ALSO, 

SPORTSMENS' APPENDAGES, 

Such as Game Baajs. Powder Flasks, and Horns, Sho^ 
Belts, Dogs' Coliars, Chains, Whips, and Whistles. 

SHOT, PERCUSSION' POWDER 

IN VARIETY— Also, 

GUN LOCKS, MOUNTINGS, 

And component parts, suitable for tl^e trade . 

•WHOIiESAl.E AND nETAlIi. 

*^* Repairs promptly and neatly executed. 
Y 

Photograph of Adtortisement 
Appearing in "The American Shuoters' Manual" of 1827. 

(In Collection of Yir. W. C. Soutlnvick, New York.) The engraving at head of adver- 
tisement was used as a business card as early as 1818. and it is an interesting fact that this 
IS the identical business card used m i -go by 11. W. Mortimer, gunmaker to Ceorge III. except 
that the royal arms have been removed; and Tryon's name and address substituted in i.Iace 
of Mortimer s. ' 



16 



& Conipaii) , Manufacturers ; and George W. Tr\on & Company, 
Importers and Dealers, conducted business at the same address. 

In 1832 George W. Tr\on had also formed a partnership with 
Samuel Merrick, under the Hrm name of l'r\on, Merrick .S: Com- 
pany This firm was located at No. 70 High (Market) Street and 
later at No. jcS Walnut Street, and conducted a general importing 
business of guns, watches, jewelrw hosier\' and fishing tackle. This 
enterprise proved unprofitable and was discontinued in iS^.S, owing 
to the great financial (.lepression of these times. 

Thus from iSjf) to 1S38 (leorge W. Tryon was senior partner 
ot three firms, and it is interesting to note from an inspection of the 
old ledgers that each one of these three firms was doing business w ith 
the other two. 

It is a curious tact also that during these times goods were 
frequently imported from Birmingham, England to Philadelphia \ia 
the Port of New Orleans. 

In 1837 the business world was visited b\ one of the most 
severe panics in the financial histor\ of the countrv. All business 
suffered, and though Tr\on, Merrick & Co. were forced to discon- 
tinue, the other two Trxon Companies, though suffering great losses, 
were enabled to weather this financial storm. The o-reat business 
depression which followed the panic of 1837 ma\- be well illustrated 
b\- an extract from a letter of George W. Tr\()n, written a few 
\ ears later. 

"I presume you get to see our papers occasionally and, of course, you can get 
some taint conception of our currency and money affairs. "Sou, of course, are aware 
of the failure of the United States Bank, and also of the Girard Hank ( George W. 
Tryon was one of the incorporators of the CJirard Bank m 18:52), and the Bank of 
Pennsylvania also closed its doors last week, but expect will 
again commence operations after a time, leaving us, with the 
Schuylkill Bank, four banking institutions less in our i^ood city 
and the remaining ones issuing little or no paper, and doing no 
business." * ='= =:• " Still I have cause to be thankful that I 
have been able to jiass through the ordeal without sacrificing my 
real estate." 



1^ 



I he new manufacturing firm of Tr\()n, Son .Sc 
Co., now (April 3, 1840) secured a contract for 







I 90 I 




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:?m. A«^. ^ 




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SHOT GUNS.RiriES.PISTOLS ft GUNNING APPARATUS 

ALSO MATERIALS FOR GUN MAKERS USE,C0LT'S & ALIENS PISTOLS 



.\ lL\,M)SI).Mi:.rauKl''!l. 



i,;;i'\!i:%P!;i)>irn,iAni-:.M)Ki)Ti) 



|;M >«rlli VrwKJSl.lM'lMrfn KaH'»!t>iiH'Sliv«'h 

?JJJi;\Ui:i?}JJ;L 



Advertising Poster of About 1845 to 1850. 



fifteen hundred (1500) arm\ muskets for the Repubhc ot Texas. 
These muskets were undoubtedly what is known as the "• model of 
1 84 1 " United States musket, as the government at Washington 
accepted a suspended delivery after Texas had become annexed to 
the United States, and is evidenced by the following : 



II 



Ordnance Office, Washington, 1S46. 
Tryon Son & Co. 
Gentlemen: 

The object ot this note is to inquire whether you have manufactured the (640) 
muskets that remain to be dehvered on your contract with the late Republic of Texas, 
and if so, where are they now deposited ? I am, 

Respectfully yours, 

G. TALCOTT, 

Ordnance Officer. 

This " 1 841 " musket was built by contract at a number of 
individual gun factories, but the government also manufactured a 
great number at the Harper's Ferry shops ; hence, this model has 
been frequently called the " Harper's Ferry rifle ;" but more 
frequently it has been termed the Mississippi rifle, because early 
issued to a Mississippi regiment. 

The Tryon Company built these muskets continuously for the 
government from 1841 to 1848. While those in collections to-day 
are apparently 58 calibre, vet the original model of the "41" was 54 
calibre with the rifling making one turn in six feet and using a round 
ball ; ^^ in. barrel, without bayonet (see page 24). The change in 
calibre to 58 is probably due to an order of the Ordnance Board 
approved July 5, 1855, b\' Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War, as 
follows : 

"Percussion model ot 1S41. — The bore of this arm to be 
reamed up to Calibre 58 and re-rifled, and a stud and guide 
attached for sword bayonet." (See page 24. ) 

On Januar\" i ^, 1841, was secured the first 
of the government contracts for the famous 
Northwest or Indian guns (see page 26). 

These Northwest guns (values ;S4.8o tc^ 




11 



19 



I5.elics of the Past 




m SrKCIMHN I N" "TKVdN"" CoL- 

■ I.KCTION. Ph II ADl l.l-H l.\. 

^'Tivoii" Flint l.ncU Pistol. Date, about 1S12. Xine- 

■li hand. 1h-11 inn/zle, Ijra^s niountings. 





Si'I.CI .MENS IX Col.LEtTION OF Mk. II. P.. II.\R.M1.K. I'll 1 l..\liEl.l' II l.\. 

\eiv haniUoiiK- pair of "Trvon" Dueling Pi*loN. Date, about 1S4.; to 1S50. 7'-4-'ii- barrels. <leep 
ritliiisf. tiiicly eii,«ra\eil. .golil mounted, silver iiowder tlask. InilU-t mould for both round and conieal ball. 
siKer nioiniteil niaho.yanv ease. 




SiM-ciMrv IN- Collection- 
"E Mi(. \Vm. .\. Lawrence, 
New ^'okk. 



"Rupertu?" '"Pepperbox."" eight-shot revolver, jj calil) 
.A "Tryon" i)roduct of 1S64 and iSd.^. 




Spkci.men in CoLLrcTio>r 
OF Mr. Stephen \ an Rens- 
-SELAER, Newark. N. T. 



"Tryon" "Deringer Model" Pistol. These were made 
from 1S50 to 1S70. The above specimen is an early 
model and for years was in possession of a prominent 
New Orleans familv. 



$9-00) were nianiitactured tor the Department ot Interior, and the 
contracts (which were held for fifteen \ears), were all drawn with 
the Commissioner of Indian att'airs. The goNernment supphed tliese 
arms principally to the Northwest tribes, Chippewas, Sioux, Winne- 
bagos, Osage and Black Feet, and nearh' all shipments were con- 
smned to the Governor of Minnesota. 

The specifications called for both Hmt lock and percussion lock 
guns of var\ing bore to shoot a round ball. Lengths ot barrel 
36 and 42 inches. 

In the later contracts were some with rified barrels (Nalues, 
^8.00 to $\2.oo), nian\- of which were highly ornamented. The 
following is an extract from the government proot requirements : 

" For each North West gun 200 grains Trov best riHe powder, one IkiII and two 
wads, and for each rifle 250 grains Troy best rifle powder, two balls and two wads, and 
none shall be received which have not undergone and successfully sustained such 
proof." 

It is a peculiar fact that not onl\ primitive peoples show a dis- 
position to use obsolete stvles of fire arms long after improvements 
have become standard, but history shows that civilized governments 
also have been slow to recognize marked advances in the develop- 
ment of arms. The Hint lock, superseding the match lock and 
wheel lock, was first used in France and Spain about 161 5. The 
percussion lock (invented 1807) became popular in America about 
18^0, and \'et we find from these old Northwest contracts that the 
flint lock was in demand bv the North American Indians as late as 
1850, and even t()-da\- a few are manufactured in Kurope tor the 
Central African native trade. More strange, however, is the tact 
that the British Government considered the flint 
lock quite good enough for the service until 
1 84 1, when the percussion lock musket was 
used b\- one battalion in the first Chinese war, 
and it was onh' a year or two previousl\ that 
both Germanv and France converted man\ 
thousands of flint guns into percussion lock 
arms. 




21 



lielics of the Past, 




Si'KCiMEN IN' Collection of Mr. Loris II. Sch.midt, Phil.adelphi.n. 

"Tryon" Flint Lock Gun, 44-in. barrel. Pale, about 1S15. This gun 
was oriij'inallv "full stocked." but has been cut down to use as a shotgun. 
Was obtained in Florida and is of the type used by Seminole Indians. 




Specimen in "Tryon" Collection, Piiii..\i)Elpiii.\. 

"Trvfin" Double Barrel Flint Lock Shotgun (very rare), 39 in. barrels. 
Date, about 181 5 to 18^5. Was in a Pennsylvania family for many years. 




Specimen in Collection ok .Mu. J. W. McC.\re. New York. 

"Tryon" Mint Lock Rifle, ;o calilirc, 21 -in. f)Ctagon barrel, set 
trigger, verv deep rifling. .An exception;dlv beautiful arm. Dale, about 
1815 to 1S30. 




Si'ECl.MLN IN CoLLKCIION oE .Mk. 11. 



HaK.M hH, PlIILAI)EI.PHI.\. 



"Tryon" Flint Lock "Kentucky" Ritlo. 44-in. brown barrel: bore. 4^ 
balls to the lb.; London lock, brass mountings. Date, early nineteenth 
centurv. 




Specimen in Collection of Mr. H. B. II.xr.mer, P^^LAIJELPHI.^. 

"Tryon" Flint Lock "Kentuckv" Rillc, 42-in. bright-finish barrel; bore. 
44 balls to the lb.; brass movmtings. Date, early nineteenth century. 



II 



Our own Government was forced to alter thousands ot flnit 
locks into percussion locks twenty years later upon the outbreak ot 
the Civil War. 

During the past \ ear the present Tryon Companx received an 
incjuirv for a l'r\on muzzle loading rifle of a model manutactured 
hftv \ears ago. 

Percussion (dating from 1807) was the invention ot the Rev. 
Alexander John Forsvth, of Aberdeenshire. The first form used was 
a powder ignited bv a punch, hence the name punch lock. Later 
the powder was formed into a pill, developing the pill lock. 

The pill lock was never largely used, as it was supplanted by 
the percussion cap, which was invented in England in 18 iS. i he 
Austrian Government, however, used a pill lock in the arm\ until 
about 1830. 

On page 2+ is illustrated a pill lock made bv (leorge W . 
Tryon about 1825. This is a peculiar adaptation of the pill firmg 
system applied to the old '' North's " model of flint lock repeatmg 
muzzle loading gun, which in turn was a copv trom an earlier 
repeating arm dating trom about 1780. 

This specimen of Tryon pill lock was evidently a model or 
sample, no duplicate having been found in an\- other collection. 

Napoleon oflered Forsvth a large sum for the invention ot 
percussion. With true patriotism, this offer was declined, the 
inventor, at the same time, proffering the patent to his own govern- 
ment. For man\ \ ears, however. Great Britain failed to recognr/.e 
the worth of the invention. Had Fors\th accepted the ofter ot 
Napoleon, the fate of Waterloo might have 
been reversed, and other boundaries set tor 
the nations of Europe. 

The firm oi' George W. Tryon ^' 
Company continued the general busmess 
of importing and selling fire arms, etc., and 
added in 1837, a fishing tackle department, 
which was afterwards discontinued. 

The two Tr\'on co-partnerships expired 




i 



li 



Relics of the Past 




Sn-crMKN- IN -'Trtvox" Coli.ixtiox. Ph ii.AiiKi.riiiA. 

"Tryon" Repcntin- Muz/.h- I.oa.liiis; Pill Lock. sin,,<,tli l.,nc -,vii 
octason harrel; Lore. (,q halU to tl.o 11,. Date, almut ,S>, ThU is • 
adaptation of the "North" Hint slidiny-lock svstcni of 8 •-" 



l^ 



Si-i:(iM[:x i\ Ciii.i.: iTiox oi- Mr. G'f \x\im.i- TIixuv. \ \/Ai<i-. i ii . Pa. 

'■'rry.in" Percussion Shotgun, line twist barrel. ,54 in., rihlied. one 
llnnl octayon. Date. iS.v> or earlier. This irnn was 'made especially for 
.lohn Idseph Ileiu'v bv hi? frien<l. Cico. \V. Trvon. 




Si'iciMirx IX "Tkvox" C"o! i.Kcnox, Piiii.APiri.pi 



■■Tr\-on"" Percussion Rille, bore, roo b.-dls to the lb.: octagon ban el. 
ribbed. .!,? in.; inipinted London lock, siher inonntings, set trigger. Dale. 
about 1N411. 




M'lri.Mi.x IX ("oi.i.rt riox up I'xrTF.n Stati^.s Mii.iiwkv .\rAni:MV. 

WkSI- PoiXT. 

"Trvon" ".Mississitipi" .Musket, model of 1841. 54. calibre, without 
b-nonel, brass mountings. 33-in. barrel. Dale on lock. "Tryon, l'. S., 1844." 




Si'FciMi:x IX C'oi.i.KCTiox OI- Mr. 1". W. IIrkiii.. Gm;x Mills. Pa. 

"Tryon" ".Mississippi" Musket, model of 184 1. 58 calibre, titled with sword bavoncl. brass uDuntinss, 
.^.vni. Iiarrel. Date on lock. "Tryon. V. S.. 1848." The bavonet was fitted bv the ("lovernnient in i8:;5. 
'Ihis nnisket was obtained at the Ilenicia Arsenal. California. 




e 



i'ryon" 4-gaugc Single I'.arrel -Sliotgun. I'urcluised in 1840 and slill 
used for duck shooting on the Delaware Uiver. 



24 



lielics of the Past 



N 



|H 




fRYilN" Col-LKCTIOX, Ph IL AnELPII I A. 



This gun was rct-cixcil recently, with the fdUowing letter; 

"Gentlemen: Tn the year <<f 1S30, my father went to Philadelphia, to purchase a douhle-harrcl sliotgun. 
Me called on old M'-. 'i'ryon, on Second Street, and lunchased a double-hairel percussion gun. said to 
he the first gun of that kinil to come into Chester County. 

'•When he came home, his family had increased bv a hahy lioy. and he said at once. Ml is name shall 
he Tryon. after the veneralile gunmaker on Second Street. Philadelphia." 

'•[ am the identical hov. and [ still have the (dd gun. and if you would like to ha\c it. I will 

send vou the old relic, as a present. 

"Truly. 

"( Signed 1 T. ( 1. R." 




Specimen in Coi.i.ection of Mr. F. \V. Pireuil. 

CiLEN ^IlLI.S, Pa. 



"Trvou" D.Mihle Parrel Shotgun. This gun was purch.a^ed in 1S40 and carried overland to California 
and back. The owner shot several Indians with it in repulsing attacks upon the wagon train. It was 
subsequently cut off to its present length. 




Specimen in Collection of Dr. \V. O. (■.RUics. Philahelphi.a 
"Trvon" Single Parrel Shotgun. Date, i860. 




Specimen in Memorial IIaei Collection. Philadelphia. 



"Trvon" Special Ritle. percussion lock, .s.vin. extra heavy barrel: l!.n-e. 60 balls to the lb. : deep 
rifling, adjustable disc, rear Mght, long globe front , sight, handsomely sdver mounted and bcautituily 
finished. Name plate engraved, "Jas. T. Morris i86j." 



Illustrations from an Old Catalogue 

Showing line of Pistols maniifactnied 1S65 and 1866, in the Tryon shops, hut sold under the 

name of the patentee, " Rupertus." 




iglc Kanel Rifleil Pistol. 
Powder and Ball. 
A few spfciim-u'^ of this model 
are in private collections. 




is;!e Barrel Cartridge I'istol. Made 

in jj. 32 and 38 calibres. 
A few ^jieciniens of this ])istol 
e in jirivaie collections. 




Double I'arrel Cartridge Pistol. 

22 calibre. 
A few specimens of tliis mo<lel 
arc in private collections. 




^3 



•I'vpe of .\orthwc-t or Indian C,w\. Percussion Lock. 1S41 to 185; 




Type of Nonliwest or Inilian Gun. I-"lint Lock. i.?-(i to 1855. 



by limitation, July, 1841, and George W. Tryon desiring to retire from 
active business, withdrew. Edward K. Tryon assumed all the busi- 
ness interests of both Tr\ on. Son & Company and George W. Tryon 
& Company, under the rtrm name of Edw. K. Tr\on <Sc Companw 
George W. Tryon retired to his country home on the historic Harrison 
property, where he lived until his death in 1878, devoting his time 
to the Insurance Compan\ (Fire Association) of which he was Presi- 
dent, and to the various charities in which he was deeply interested. 



4 



Edw. K. Tryon & Company, 1841-1843 
Edw. K. Tryon, 1843-1859 

Edw. K. Tryon & Company, 1859-1863 

The financial condition of the country was still greatly 
depressed when Edward K. Tr\on assumed control of the busmess, 
but in two years he was so far successful that the "Co." was 
dropped from the firm name and the business conducted personally 
under his name alone. 

It was about this time that there was placed over the bulk show 
window a life-sized wooden buflalo, beautifully carved and gdded, 
and the Second Street establishment thereafter was familiarly known 
far and wide as - THE SIGN OF THE GOLDEN BUFFALO." 

The manufacturing plant was continued, muzzle loading rifles 
were made, also shot guns and the parts thereof, together with gun- 
smiths' tools and supplies. The general wholesale and retail busi- 
ness in imported and domestic arms was also continued. Contracts 
from the government for Mississippi rifles „^^^ 

were fulfilled almost yearly up to 1848, and 
for Northwest guns to 1856 ; but during 
1S55 a dispute arose between the Indian 
Department and Edward K. Trvon and he 
refused to bid thereafter. 

The manufacture of arms during these 
years was conducted upon very difl^erent 
principles from those adopted to-da\ in large 







27 



Illustrations from an Old Catalocfue 

ShowiiKf pLUtial stock line of shot <iuns and riHes manufactured from about 1850 to 1870. The 
rifles were nTade either rifled or smooth bore, and with double ( set ) triggers. Many of these were 
stamped with the dealer's name for whom they were made. In the early days, previous to i8.;o, 
flint locks onlv were made, and the rifles were almost all made with plain trigger. 




Mi.)luu:i. M'.i 



.jlc r..Trrcl. I'l.iiii l-'ini>~li. IJ.ir Luck 




Shotgun. Single l!:incl. ki!.l)L-a. F;incy. r„-.ck-aclion 



Doulik- I'.aiicl. (Aunbincd Sliotgun and Kitk-. I'.atk-aclion Locks. 




Kirtc. Half Stockcil. kil)1)c<l I'.ancl, liack-action Lock 




Kine. TIalf Stocked. I'ancv Patch P,ox. liack-action Locks. 




Rifle. Half Stocked. Ribbed L-.-mtcI. Patent Breech. For\vanl-acti..n Locks 
Fanc\- Patch Po.x. 



28 



nianutacturiniT plants. Almost all thf work was done h\ hand, and 
many gimsmiths manutactiH'cd a part or a complete arm m then' own 
homes, deli\ering the article to the recogni/ed gun maiuitacturer. 
This method is pursued to a ^ er\ great extent at the present day in 
foreign countries where arms are manufactured. B\' the time a gun 
is completed at the factor\ , it has heen assemhled and reassembled 
man\ times, ha\ing gone to the little homes of the barrel maker, the 
stock maker, the lock maker, etc. Of course, in modern times, larire 



II 



"Awarded to 

K. K. Ti\on 

I'hiladelphia 

I'tnna." 




Rifles 

for the 

U. S. (lovernnunt" 



Bronzf Medal, 1^46. 

FkA.x l^l.l^• Institute of Pe.nxsvi.vaxia. 



factories have been erected in such arm centers as Liege, Belgium, 
where many arms are now produced entirely b\- njiachinery. Yet 
the old custom is still pursued in making thousands of shot guns and 
rifles. It was not until i S64 that the 'I'rxon 
plant was equipped with a large modern 
factory known as the " new factorx ," for the 
production of all gun and pistol parts by 
machmerw 

In 1857, George W. Tryon, [r., eldest son 
of Edward K. Tr\on, was admitted to part- 
nership, and the "Compan\ " was again added 
to the title Jul\- i, 1S5H. ] 

The ireneral business ha\in<i mcreased 




li 



29 







Entered business iS88. Admitted to partnership 1892. 

Member of the firm of Edw. K. Tryon, Jr. & Co. 
President of Edw. K. Tryon Company. 



30 



beyond the capacit\' of the old store on Second Street, a new store 
was opened in 1859, at No. 625 Market Street, in order to adequately 
handle the general wholesale business. The old Second Street store 
from this time became a branch house. 

In 1859, George W. Trvon, jr., made the Hrst trip as traveling 
salesman for the house, visiting local Southern cities onlw The next 
year regular trips were established to the principal Western cities. 

In i860 the first catalogue was published. It contained tew 
illustrations, but for those times was considered quite a work of art. 
Regular editions have since been published annually f)r semi-annualh . 

The doors of the new establishment had hardly been opened 
when the firm found itself in a ver\ unfortunate position, owing to 
the unsettled times just preceding the Civil War. 

The laree Southern trade was suddenly cut off, causing tremend- 
ous loss in volume ot sales. 

A search of the letter files during these years brings to light 
many letters addressed to Southern customers, similar to the tollow- 
in2 which serves to illustrate the immense losses which war inflicts 
upon the business community : 



W. R. M- 



Feb. 20, 1861, 



Dear Sir: 

We have yours of the nth. There is no customer on our books to whom we 
would rather sell a bill of goods on time than to you, and the only trouble has been 
that we never could sell you as much as we wished. We have full confidence in your 
ability to pay under any ordinary circumstances — But who can say that any man can 
pay his debts six Mo. hence— if civil war once commences — (which God forbid ) and 
we think there are just about fools enough North and South to put this country into 
the worst kind of trouble for some time to come— We are therefore compelled to 
decline making any credit bills at present. When afi^'airs once get settled, which we 
try to hope may be in a short time — we will be much pleased to sell you all you want, 
and assure you that it goes hard with us to decline 

trade with one who has for so many years favored us • ^^ 

with their custom. '^ '^ '^ 

lours truly, -' ,.-^Ji. V-J^ 

EDW. K. TRYON & COMPANY. 

Not only was the large Southern trade 
of the house known to the United States 
authorities, but also the Government had 




31 




Lntcred busille^s i Sf>4. Admittcii to partnership iS66. 

Miniher <if the firms of Trvon Bros. eS: Co.; EJw. K. Trvon, Jr. cV Co. 

Vice-President of Edw. K. Tryon Company. 



.32 



ID 



knowledge of the fact that in years past the house of Tryon had 
manufactured arms for South Carolina and other Southern States. 
These circumstances caused the Government to investigate very 
carefully as to the loyalty of the firm, notwithstanding the activity of 
its members in the Union cause. Twice the taithtul manager oi the 
old Second Street store, Theodore T. Subers, was forced to remain 
with his men all night in order to protect the " Sign of the Golden 
Buffalo" from threatened mob attack. 

All the correspondence of the house was investigated bv the 
authorities who completely exonerated the entire firm and proved their 
loyalty, as shown by the following copies of important documents : 

Certificate of Alex. Henry, Mayor of I'hila. 
Apr. 22, '6i. 
I am fully satisfied that all rumors charging E. K. Tryon & Co. with shipping 
muskets for southern traders are without foundation, and an unjust accusation against 
a loyal firm. 

ALEXANDER HENRY, 

Mayor. 

Copy of a letter addressed to Wm. B. Thomas, Esq., Collector 
of Port of Philadelphia: 

Phila., Oct. 7, 1861. 
Wm. B. Thomas, Collector. 
Dear Sir: 

In compliance with your suggestion, I have looked over Mess. E. K. Tryon & 
Co.'s correspondence, and find most unmistakable evidence, not only of their loyalty, 
but also of their zeal in the cause ot the Union. Both before and since the fall of 
Sumter, their correspondence evidences a careful regard for their duty as loyal citizens, 
and positive refusal to send (goods), weapons and ammunition to points of doubtful 
loyalty, or where they were likely to be used against the General Government. 

I have seen no evidence of disloyalty on their part, and from my business 
knowledge of the senior partner, I regard him as mcapable of dishonorable or disloyal 
action. 

I regard him in short, as a devoted, loyal citizen, first, 
last and all the time. 

^'ours trul\-, 

EDWARD LEWIS. 

Other interesting correspondence on file, 
addressed to Simon Cameron, Secretar\' of War, 
and others of the Department, illustrates the 
very unprepared condition of the Government 




H 



I 



33 




•strw^sT" 




^^^^ 



Entered business 1876. Admitted to partnership 1S90. 

Member of the firm of Edw. K. Tryon, Jr. \; Co. 

Secretary and Treasurer of Edw. K. Tryon Company 



34 



at the opening of the Civil War. 1 here were in the various arsenals 
throughout the North, a mixed lot of various rifles, some flint lock 
and some percussion. 

The Government was forced to hurriedly alter these obsolete 
st}les into arms of a more modern type. The following is a copy 
ot one such bid for this work : 



11 



Philadelphia, Aug. o, 1861. 
Henry C. Davis, Es(|. 

Dear Sir: 

We have this day forwarded a sample of the U. S. Musket altered by us, and 
send you the Express Co.'s receipt herewith. 

We have altered this flint lock to percussion hv putting on a good forged iron 
hammer, and instead of putting a tube on the top of the barrel, or a plug in the side 
ot It, both of which methods are imperfect and dangerous, & have been justly con- 
demned ; we have put in a patent brtech which is certainly stronger & better than 
the ordinary breech that is used in the U S or Enfield Rifles, as any man who is used 
to handling guns, well knows. We have also rifled the barrel so as to make it suit- 
able for a Mmie ball, and placed on it a superior sight. 

The Government has a very large quantity of muskets either Flint or altered to 
percussion with a tube on the top of the barrel, and which they are not using on that 
account. These guns by the above alteration can be made serviceable in a very short 
time, while to make new guns will cost a large sum and also it is impossible to manu- 
facture or import them in time to meet the requirements of the department. 

We propose to alter any quantity of these guns, 5000 or over in number, hut our 
arrangements are such that if we have 10,000 as a minimum we can work to better 
advantage to ourselves and to the government. We will alter the guns like sample, 
at ^5.00 each, cash, or U. S. Treasury Notes to be paid upon the completion of each 
1000 guns & will do any slight repairing or cleaning that may be re(|uired to put the 
locks in good working order, without extra charge. We will also inspect the muskets 
as they arrive, & will not alter any except those that are otherwise in good order. 

We are capable of doing this work correctly & with the utmost dispatch, having 
abundance ot Capital & business knowledge to do so. 

We have conducted the Gun business since the year 181 1, have made thousands 
ot Guns for the U. S. & other Governments, & if we alter these guns, we feel assured 
that they wdl give perfect satisfaction. 
Yours respectfully, 

E. K. IRYON & CO. 

Having; been in ill health for a number 
ot years, Edward K. Tryon had moved to 
his country home in Pittville, near Philadel- 
phia. Therefore, on |anuar\ i, 186^, he 
decided to retue entireh* from business and 




35 



p 



pi 



Department Manag"ers 

Associated v/itK tKe Kouseof Tryon." 
for over Eighteen. Yea.r5 







Joii.N V. Dhnni.kr. 

C.ishiil. 



W.\[. V. S.Vl TKR, 
AlliU'tic Oocds Dept. 



Lkwis Wilson, 

IMIliii): Depl. 



C. H. Zl.MMKKl.lNG, 

Uetail IH-pt. 
21 ytMLs. 







Wm. H. Maxwkll, 

ruljlicatiuiis and l"i iiit- 
ilig. 20 yeais. 



A. (i. (iII.KII.LAX, 

Fire Anns llepl. 

IS years. 



Wm. F. Williams, 

Depl. iif Creilits and 
.\r<-(iiints. IS years. 



1{(»HKKT .1. St (JTT, 

KisliiMB Tarkle Uipi. 

IS years. 



^Ke Old Guard 






Bex.t. F. Wills, 

Guiismitli. 

Entered employ of 

Kdw. K. Tryon in IS.'il. 



EUWIX I'IPKR, 

CuTismitli. 

Entered employ of 

Edw. K. Tryon in ls.i4. 



Thomas A. Vorxo, 

SIdpper 
Entered employ of 
Edw. K. Tryon. Jr. i Co. in IS 



.36 



w 



enjov his favorite pastime ot horticulture. So a new co-partnership 
was formed between his two sons, George W. Tr) on, Jr., and Edward 
K. Tr\on, jr., the latter having returned from a short service in the 
army. This new firm was styled 

Trvon & Brother, 1863-1866 

The new firm continued business at No. 625 Market Street, and 
also continued the old Second Street store as a branch. Determining 
to embark upon a modern manufacturing enterprise, the whole 
original plot of ground between the Second Street store and the old 
factor\' in the rear, which had been used tor a flower garden by 
Edward K. Tryon, was now built solidly into one large factory (1864) 
and thoroughly equipped with machinery for the manufacture of 
modern shot guns, revolvers, and the various component parts, 
including rifle barrels ; also the old established line of muzzle-load- 
mg rifles was contmued (see page 28), large numbers of which were 
stamped with the customers' names. 

Contracts were made under the Rupertus j'jatents with the pat- 
entee, for the manufacture under his direction of a modern revolver, 
and additional shops for this purpose were equipped and operated 
at Nos. 120-122 North Sixth Street (1864 and 1865.) This revolver 
as originally planned, was eight shot with a short revolvmg cylinder, 
which, when completed, was claimed by the then young firm of 
Smith & Wesson, to be an infringement upon then" controlled patent 
of a "cylinder bored through, and loaded from the rear." The 
model was therefore changed to the pepper-box pattern (see page 20) 
which sold readih' for a number of \ears, but which could not long 
compete with the modern short cylinder, and was therefore dis- 
contmued. 

There were also manufactured during 
1865 and 1866, at the Second Street plant, 
on shop-lease contract, a single barrel and 
double barrel breech-loading cartridge pis- 
tol, and several st\les of muzzle-loading 
powder and ball pistols (see page 26). 




!l 



37 



Travelling Representatives 






Wm. ClGLEV, 

Peuiisylvaiiia. 



LoilS AV. Xi:\v. 
Special Repiesciiiative. 

Mai\I,ilMi I.. T.-xas, 



C. E. 8ti).vi;i;u.\ki;u. 
Special llepieseiilative, 
CliicaKO ami llie Wcsl. 



,T. H. WlRST, 

Virginia and Can 




"1 



£ 






H. J. F.MSSK'l"!'. 
Oliin and Kciilu.'kN. 



A. SAnnvAi.T. 

CJeoigia anil Klniida. 



A. \V Km MITT. 
New Yorii ami .\c 



A. (i. LOI (illlOKD, 
Micliigan. Wisconsin 






A. L. Allinsox, 

IVinisvlvania an. I 
West \'ii!,'inia. 



A. C. Fkxtdx. 

Indiana. Illinois and 



c 



■*0 A 



John F Schali., 

Pennsylvania ami 



E. E. riIAXI>I.KK. 

N.v. .l,.I^cy. 







W. A. Enxis. 

New York City and 



H. E. Browx. 

Ohio. 



F. W. Beckkr, 
I'liiladelpliia. 



L. S. Evans, 

Pliiladelpliia. 



38 



This contract specified tor a total ot seven thousand pistols, and 
like the pepper-box revolver, the\' were sold under the name ot 
"Rupertus Patent Pistol Mfg. Co.," Trvon and Brother, Sole Agents. 

A complete line ot gunsmiths' tools were also made. The 

following is an extract from a recent letter received trom one ot the 

oldest customers ot the house : 

"I am now in my seventy-tourth year and I rememher tlie first catalog received 
from your house. It was known and criticised l")y competitors as the 'Tryon Bible.' 
From it I made my first catalog ot gun smiths' supplies — materials, tools etc. ^our 
firm made for me the first rifiing machine, which we used for over forty years and we 
still make occasional use of it." 

On |anuar\' i, 1866, there were admitted to the Hrm three new 
partners, Christopher N. Geuther, Daniel K. Subers (both ot whom 
had been emplo\ees), and Edward B. Mears, who atter returning 
from his army service, had become associated in the busmess a very 
short time previously The firm name was changed to 

Tryon Bros. & Co., 1866-1868 

The various branches ot the busmess were contmued at the 
same locations and under the same firm name untd januarx, 1868. 
On this date. George W. Tr\on, jr., retn'ed trom busmess, de%oting 
his life thereafter to scientific research at the Academ\- ot Natural 
Sciences, and to the publication ot his works upon Conchologv and 
Music. A new firm, composed of Edward K. Trvon, Jr., Christopher 
N. Geuther and Edward B. Mears, was tormed under the name ot 

Edw. K. Tryon, Jr. & Co., 1868-1905 

During the first \ear under the management ot the new^ firm, 

the business was moved from No. 625 Market Street to the new 

store No. iq North Sixth Street. The fac- >, 

... f" '■ 

torv on Second Street was continued in tull 

force for a few \ears, and then conditions 






proving unsatisfactorw the entire plant was \ "^^-^'V <|^1iu'^ 
closed down (1872) and has never been re- ^ v %1^S\ 

opened as an arms manutacturing plant. \^K4n;4^1c 



)penea as an arms manuracturmg pi 
The old store, however, under the " Sign ot 



II 



§ 



ir.'Ii |S^ 



|i 



^9 



l! 



i1 




40 



i;:^ 



the Cjolclen BuH-alo," was continued as a branch until 1894, \n hen it 
was hnalh' closed. 

1 he failure of tiie "new" factor\' almost occasioned the com- 
plete collapse of the entire business, and for a number of \ears success 
or failure, trembled in the balance. Howe\er, the new firm was 
composed of \oung men with plent\ of pluck and untiring energw 
All efforts were devoted to the "jobbing" or wholesale distribution 
of fire arms of ever\- standard American make, and the principal for- 
eign makes. A regular force of traveling representatnes was placed 
upon the road, and the Western trade was developed. Under this 
changed polic\ the business began to grow and prosper. 

In 1S78 was added a new store No. 527 Commerce Street. In 
1 88 1 the adioininir buildino;. No. 21 North Sixth Street, was 
occupied, doubling the capacity. In 1886 the entire stock was 
moved across the street to Nos. 10 and 12 North Sixth Street, and 
in IQ03 the building No. 611 Market Street was annexed, forming 
the L shaped premises now occupied. During these \'ears a well- 
trained and experienced house force was also de\eloped and 
thorouirhh organized. 

On January i, 1878, Samuel K. Riddle was admitted to 
partnership. |anuar\' 1, 1890, E\an (7. Chandlee was admitted 
to partnership, and became Merchandise Manager. Mr. Chandlee 
had for many years represented the house through the Middle-west 
and Northw^est, and he established the close and intimate relations 
with the trade of this section, which the house still enjoys. 

Charles Z. Tryon, son of Edward K. rr\()n, jr., was admitted 
to partnership January i, 1892. 

During these years of jobbing or whole- 
sale effort, a complete Athletic and Bic\cle 
Department was added, also a complete 
Fishing Tackle Department. 

In 1890 the Retail Department, which 
had never been given an\' great attention, 
was placed upon a comprehensive basis, and 
immediateh assumed a position of great 



]^ 







m 



41 





li 



A Portion of the Sliipping Kooni. 



42 



importance. Tlie policy, Iio-zcczrr, of protecting the dealer has never 
been changed, and the greatest care is exercised in limiting the retail 
business to the city of Philadelpliia. 





Gold Medal Awarded for Excellence (Fishing Tackle) to 
Edw. K. Tryon, Jr., & Co., St. Louis Exposition, 1904. 



In the meantime the firm had suffered hy the death of Samuel 
E. Riddle and Christopher N, Geuther, and on September 19, 1904, 
was called upon to mourn the loss of Edward K. Tryon, Jr. 

From the time he assumed control, Edward K. Tryon, Jr., was 
the mainspring of the business, and its present success, now in 191 1, 
is largely due to the foundation laid b\- him and his associates. The 
losses sustained bv the unfortunate manufacturing plant of Tryon & 
Bro. retarded his advancement considerably, but success finally 
rewarded his ceaseless efforts. 

With the admittance of the junior 
partners, Edward K. Tryon, Jr., was relieved 
of many of the burdens of business, and he 
devoted much of his time during the last 
ten years of his life to the various charitable 
and public organizations of which he was a 
director. The financial management of the 
business, however, he never relinquished. 

Owing to the death of Edward K. 




i 



II 



43 




It.iail Floor, Athletic Cooils Dopt. 




Retail Floor, Fire Arms and Fishing Tackle Dept. 



44 



Trvon, jr., in the fall of 1904, the co-partnership ot Edw. K. 
Trvon, jr. <3c Co. was dissolved on |anLiar\- i, 1905, and the 
entire stock and fixtures were purchased hv a new corporation, 

Edw. K. Tryon Company 

Incorporated December 27, 1^04 

The following directors and ofHcers were elected, and still hold 
office: Charles Z. Tr\on, President; Edward B. Mears, Vice- 
President; Evan G. Chandlee, Secretary and Treasurer. 

During the six \ ears intervening between the date ot incorpor- 
ation and the present time, the business has been developed along all 
lines and in every direction. The traveling force now calls upon 
the trade from Maine to Texas, and the thousands of catalogs issued 
in each department find their wa\ into every State in the Union, and 
into Canada and Mexico, 

The total amount of arms manufactured by all the gunsmiths of 
Philadelphia in the year 1811 amounted to $74,250.00. The present 
Tryon Company sells more than this amount each year of one make 
of revolver alone, and has sold in dollars more bicycles in a season 
than any total \ear's business of the house previous to i860. 

The American people have been slow to recognize the value of 
out-door recreation, but the last fifteen years have developed such a 
marked taste for the "open" that the various lines of Sporting Goods 
have multiplied with great rapidity. 

No articles of merchandise are so varied or so specialized as 
those goods which are produced for the pleasure of the people. New 
styles and new models must be continually designed. Expert 
knowledge upon the part of principles 
and subordinates bemg more and more 
necessary, the present rr\on Company 
have, therefore, become "specialists" in 
the various lines of goods now mar- 
keted, and the well established trade- 
marks now placed upon the products 
of this Company, represent the most 




3 



45 



Present-Da^' Try on Trade Mairks 



Keystone 




-% 



Shotguns. 



?/t 



BAStHAi.L (uHiu-. Tex- Steki. Fishing Rods. 

Nis AND Goi-F Goods. 



SBi;o^" 



Cutlery. 







-^ 




^^T^^ 



TRADE . U AARK 
lsignof^ thte golden b u ffalo 

House Emri.e.m. Fishing Reels. 




COHAN TIC 




KINGFISHER 



trade aaark 

Fishing Lines. Sneli.ed Fish Hooks. Fish Houks. P^ishing 

Trout and Bass Flu:.-. Rods. 



lAPOLLOi 



Bicycles. 





-_.i 



Shotgun Shells. 



Bicycles. 



46 



advanced thought in perfected merchandise oi this class (see 
page 46). 

No one factory can now manufacture a complete line all 
through the various departments of Bic\'cles, Fishing Tackle, Base 
Ball and Tennis Goods, Golf, Fire Arms, Cutlery, Canoes, etc., 
therefore the standard trade-marked articles now sold, while 
frequently designed by Edw. K. Tryon Company, are made at the 
individual factories in Europe and America making each special line. 

Times and methods change; success results only from constant 
effort;. old fashioned notions of conducting business must give way 
to Twentieth Century ideas; but the great principles of business 
ethics are eternal — and b\ these principles, adopted \ears ago at the 
"Sign of the Golden Buffalo," the present corporation still seeks to 
guide its activities through the busy world of today. 




One Hundredth Anniversary Celebration 



THE week of |anuar\ 2d to 7th, 191 1, was set apart as 
"Anniversary Week," and the founding of the " Tr\on " 
business was fittingh celebrated by an exceptional exhibit of 
rare old arms, loaned from various private collections. 

This exhibition, which attracted visitors from far beyond the 
limits of Philadelphia, included man\' beauti- 
ful specimens of pistols, rifles and shot guns. 
Some were of historic interest, some of great 
value, some the product of the old Tr\on 
shops. All were excellent examples of the 
arms makers' art. 

The warerooms and buildings were 
appropriately decorated with American flags 




47 



and the colors of the cit\- ot PhUadelphia. During the entire week 
the officers of the Conipan\' personallv greeted the man\- customers, 
iruests, and friends who called to offer their congratulations. 

On the evening of January 3d, at the Philadelphia l^ourse, the 
stockholders gave a hancjuet to the emplo\ees, eight\-flve of whom 
were jiresent, including the travehng representatives. 1 he guests 
included: I'he President and Secretary of the riiihulrl/->hia C/iaiiihcr 
of Coiiiiiicrcc : the President and the Secretar\ of the Philadclf'lua 
Board of Trade; the President and the Secretarx' of the Hardware, 
Mcrcliaiils. and Mauufaciurcrs' . Issociafioii ; the President and the 
Secretarx' of the Xaiioiud Sf^ortiii!^ (joods Dealers' . Issocialioii ; 
the first travrliiii:; sah'snuni of the house ; the (ddcst ciisUiiitcr of the 
wholesale department ; the oldest customer of the retad dtpartment ; 
and others ]-)romment m wholesale hardware and banking circles. 

There were responses to the toUowuig toasts : 

"(Jnki:ti.\(;" By the Tmistiiiastcr. Mr. C'liurlcs /.. Tiyoii 

■■piiii.AiiKiJ'ii i.\ ()i.ii AXii Xr.w" l-raiikiiii Spciu-cr lUiiuniids. lisq. 

" TiiK W'lisT I-'iiKTv \'i;.\K.s Ac.o" Mr. Ei an G. Cliaiidlcc 

"Km.xts (iF One 1 IrxnKKi) ^'eaks" Re:: Joliii R. Davics, D.D. 

"Till-; SciuTii" Mr. J.uiiis IV. A't'tc 

I here was reail a letter of congratulation from the (H)\ernor of 
Penns\ 1\ ania. A wreath was j^resented to Mr Thomas A. ^'oung, 
the oldest emplo\ee in \ears of continuous serxice. An original 
humorous reading in \erse was gi\en In Mr. William Cuglex . 1 he 
evening was enlncned h\ merriment and the singing of songs 
specialh' written for the occasion. 

As all arose to join in singing the farewell "Auld Lang S\ ne," 
Mr. William V. Sauter, on behalf of the employees, jiresented to the 
officers of the companx a beautitui siher loving cup bearing the 
inscription : 

I'KESEXTEI) TO 

i:i)W. K. TRVOX COM PAX Y 

r-V THEIR EMPLOYEES IX COM MEMORATIOX OF THE 

ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY 

OF THE FOrX!)IX(; OF THE BUSINESS 



48 






r/»~?;r~-: 



Kie* 



piili 



' iWam 



oo 



